Celebrated on October 21st, Trafalgar Day marks the day on which Britain triumphed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This historic marine conflict was fought off the Cape of Trafalgar, offshore from Cadiz, Spain, with forces from Spain and France clashing with Britain.

The Battle of Trafalgar made Lord Horatio Nelson one of Britain's most famous war heroes. As Admiral in the Navy, he led our British fleet to victory; a fleet then being composed of warships built from wood, powered by sails and armed with cannons along both sides. Nelson first joined the Navy at the age of twelve, experiencing many adventures at sea throughout his life. This left him war-wounded - with only one arm and blind in one eye! But this did not prevent him moving up the ranks and becoming Admiral. As Admiral, he was appreciated by his troops; he took great care of them and in return they showed him great loyalty. The Battle of Trafalgar was his most famous triumph but he was well known and celebrated before that for winning important battles in Egypt, the Caribbean and Denmark.